Did Izzie die in Grey's Anatomy?

Last Modified Feb 1, 2025 10:45 EST
Did Izzie die in Grey's Anatomy?
Izzie Stevens (Source: ABC)


No, Izzie Stevens didn’t die in Grey’s Anatomy. Izzie was given a Stage 4 metastatic melanoma diagnosis when it was thought that she would be killed off in the fifth season. After her tumor was successfully removed, she married Alex in the 100th episode of the show.


Grey's Anatomy is an American medical drama that centers on the personal and professional lives of attendings, residents, and surgical interns at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital, which was subsequently renamed the Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. The pilot was written by Shonda Rhimes, who also served as executive producer, head writer, and showrunner until her departure in 2015. The show centers on Dr. Meredith Grey (Pompeo) for most of its run, following her journey from surgical intern to fully certified physician to the chief of general surgery at the hospital.


Izzie Stevens' character is portrayed by Katherine Heigl in the American medical drama series Grey’s Anatomy. Izzie began her career at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital as a surgical intern and advanced to the rank of resident.


What happened to Izzie Stevens?


Did Izzie die in Grey's Anatomy?
Izzie Stevens (Source: Screengrab from the show)


Izzie starts having hallucinations of Denny, which worries her increasingly. The hallucinations are caused by Stage 4 metastatic melanoma, which Izzie finds has already spread to her brain, liver, and skin. As a patient, she is admitted to Seattle Grace. Bailey thinks she will have the opportunity to have children later because Dr. Parker, an invisible obstetrician, would collect good eggs before any radiation treatment.


During her stay in the hospital, Izzie plans the wedding of Meredith and Derek. However, as her situation deteriorates and Derek finds a second brain tumor, they decide to have Izzie and Alex married in front of all of their friends.


Did Izzie die in Grey's Anatomy?
Izzie (Source: Screengrab from the show)


Izzie loses her short-term memory after the surgery, but she quickly regains it before flatlining a few moments later. Her friends try to revive her despite her DNR order. In her dream, she meets George, who is also flatlining after being struck by a bus, on an elevator to the afterlife. Following George's death, Izzie is revived and makes a full recovery to resume her job.


After making a medical mistake that puts a patient's life in jeopardy, Izzie is later dismissed from the surgical program. She writes Alex a letter and leaves thinking that Alex is responsible for her termination. Izzie returns in the middle to make amends and express regret for her error in assuming Alex was the reason behind her termination after Meredith tells her that Alex is moving on.


Did Izzie die in Grey's Anatomy?
Izzie and Alex (Source: ABC)


She tells Alex that she no longer has cancer soon after a scan. Alex tells her that he loves her but that she deserves better, and he formally ends their relationship despite his fulfillment. Then he encourages her to go, be happy, and never return. So, to start over, Izzie permanently leaves Seattle marking her exit from the show overall.


Related: Who is erica hahn in greys anatomy


Does Izzie return to Grey’s Anatomy?


No, Izzie doesn’t return to Grey’s Anatomy. After Alex declined to continue the marriage, Izzie left Seattle and made her last regular appearance in the series in the sixth season. To spend more time with her family, the actress asked to be freed from her contract eighteen months early. The character made a visual cameo reappearance in a season 16 episode, revealing her fate ten years after her last appearance.


The Season 16 episode "Leave a Light On" reveals the whole story of Izzie's life after Grey Sloan. It is revealed that Izzie used the embryos she and Alex had produced to pursue IVF, which resulted in the birth of twins, Alexis and Eli. Now a surgical oncologist, Izzie raises their kids on a Kansas farm. Alex makes amends with Izzie ten years after their divorce, abandoning his present circumstances to be with her and their twins.


FAQs about Izzie Stevens

A. Yes, Alex and Izzie have twins together. Izzie used the embryos she and Alex had produced to pursue IVF, which resulted in the birth of twins, Alexis and Eli.

A. After Alex declined to continue the marriage, Izzie left Seattle and made her last regular appearance in the series in the sixth season.

A. Izzie, who is now a surgical oncologist, raises their kids on a Kansas farm. Alex makes amends with Izzie ten years after their divorce, abandoning his present circumstances to be with her and their twins.

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